26 busted in Manatee Sheriff's retail theft operation

MANATEE -- The Manatee Sheriff’s Office has arrested 26 suspects in connection with a retail theft operation throughout Manatee County.

The operation was conducted from Sept. 18-20 and Sept. 25-27 at various retail stores. this was a joint operation between the Manatee County Sheriff's Office and the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, according to an updated statement.

The operation resulted in 14 felony charges and 17 misdemeanor charges, according to a sheriff's report released Saturday.

Deputies seized $5,300 in cash, two vehicles and 229 grams of marijuana. The men and women arrested ranged in age from 16 to 49.

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